Challenging Conditions at Cyprus Migrant Centres
In a recent report by the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee, the Pournara migrant reception centre has come under scrutiny for its substandard living conditions. Individuals were found to be housed in containers lacking basic amenities such as electricity and hot water, packed closely together in what has been described as unhygienic conditions.
The Menoyia detention centre was also critiqued for its overcrowding living conditions, which resemble a prison environment rather than a reception facility. The report, spanning 64 pages, urges a reevaluation of the treatment of migrants, emphasizing that migration is not a criminal act and that harsh conditions are unlikely to deter the desperate journeys undertaken by many.
Sanitary facilities at Pournara were reported to be in disrepair, with leaking water leading to stagnant puddles and unsanitary communal areas. The deplorable state of toilets and showers has even deterred security staff from performing their duties. This neglect has led to increased tensions and violence among detainees, highlighting the need for immediate intervention and prevention strategies.
While detainees at Menoyia have access to phones and the internet, their right to family visits has been unjustly restricted, with the pandemic being used as an excuse. The report calls for clear communication regarding visitation rights and improvements in the daily lives of detainees, including access to legal information and outdoor exercise.
The findings are based on a visit conducted from May 9 to 17, 2023, by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The committee’s report stands as a stark reminder of the need for humane treatment and respect for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their migratory status.
